‘Extraordinary’: Steve Smith’s unusual dismissal baffles commentators

Steve Smith couldn’t muster a big total at the MCG on Tuesday, but his “extraordinary” dismissal utterly bemused the commentators.

Paul Wilson and Steve Smith.

Steve Smith’s streak of consecutive ODI fifties drew to a close on Tuesday afternoon, with the Australian batter dismissed for 21 (16) in bizarre scenes at the MCG.

In the 46th over of Australia’s record-breaking innings, England paceman Olly Stone delivered a short ball that Smith attempted to scoop down towards fine leg.

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The Kookaburra sailed through to the wicketkeeper, with England captain Jos Buttler throwing his arm in the air after claiming the catch — but everyone remained unmoved.

The gloveman then signalled for a DRS review before yelling “Howzat!”, at which point umpire Paul Wilson, who was seemingly waiting for an appeal, finally raised the dreaded finger.

Smith made his way back to the pavilion as a bemused Stone celebrated his third wicket of the afternoon

Steve Smith of Australia. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“Buttler is reviewing this, straight away he thought he heard something,” former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket commentary.

“Extraordinary scenes. There have been a few low-key moments in a low-key game but that just tops it. Buttler thought he heard something straight away, even though it was almost a muffled, muted appeal.

“Maybe he had to wait for an actual appeal first before any action could be taken.”

However, replays suggested Smith may not have edged the delivery, with nothing appearing on HotSpot or Snicko.

So good to see even the umpires at elite level stick to the basics & follow the laws of the game to the book. Want a wicket? You better appeal for it. You better say the word #AusvEnghttps://t.co/ZqhmUQ6CoT

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 22, 2022

Australia registered 5/355 from their 48 overs in the rain-affected contest, breaking the all-time record for highest ODI total at the MCG.

Opening batters Travis Head (152 off 130 balls) and David Warner (106 off 102 balls) combined for a 269-run opening partnership, demolishing England’s second-choice bowling attack in the third and final ODI. It was Australia’s second-largest partnership in the 50-over format.

Smith finished the three-match series with 195 runs at 97.50.